River Island has announced plans to axe a further 350 jobs.
Following last month’s plans to cut 250 head office staff in part of a cost-cutting plan, the fashion retailer said it will cut the extra 350 roles in-store management and senior sales.
Will Kernan, the chief executive, said in an internal memo to staff:
“We need to make sure we have the right structures in place to deliver our omnichannel strategy, and to continue to deliver the amazing River Island in-store experience that our customers know and love,” he said.
“With a heavy heart, I can confirm that these changes will potentially impact up to 350 store management and senior sales roles.
“Whilst this is an incredibly difficult decision, these actions are crucial to ensure that our stores continue to effectively play their hugely important role in our omnichannel future. By making these changes, we will create a flatter management structure with a greater emphasis on customer service and a seamless experience whether online or in-store.
“River Island said the latest restructure would allow it to simplify its store management structures and better deliver its multichannel strategy. We need to make sure we have the right structures in place to deliver our omnichannel strategy, and to continue to deliver the amazing River Island in-store experience that our customers know and love,” chief executive Will Kernan said in a internal memo to staff.
“We are now in the process of restructuring our retail teams by simplifying our store management structures. With a heavy heart, I can confirm that these changes will potentially impact up to 350 store management and senior sales roles.
“Whilst this is an incredibly difficult decision, these actions are crucial to ensure that our stores continue to effectively play their hugely important role in our omnichannel future.
“By making these changes, we will create a flatter management structure with a greater emphasis on customer service and a seamless experience whether online or in-store,” he added.
A recent survey has revealed that two-in-five businesses will cut jobs in the next six months. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed earlier this week that around 730,000 people have lost their jobs in the UK since March.